ND Patrol plans extra enforcement over holidays

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — The North Dakota Highway Patrol plans stepped-up traffic enforcement and a radio safety campaign over the holidays.

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — The North Dakota Highway Patrol plans stepped-up traffic enforcement and a radio safety campaign over the holidays.

Patrol Col. James Prochniak says the radio campaign will focus safety messages on the slogan, "The Choice is Yours." The Bismarck Tribune reports the North Dakota Safety Council also is launching a program called "A Slippery Slope" to teach people how to drive in winter conditions. The booming western oil patch is drawing people from across the country.

KFGO radio reports that the Patrol on Wednesday plans to have all of its units out on the roads — nearly 150 vehicles. The day before Thanksgiving is a heavy travel day.

As of Monday, 146 people had died on North Dakota roads this year — just two fewer than 2011's final tally.